ADK Winter Mountaineering School
2020 PROGRAMS
Registration for 2020 Adirondack Mountain sections closes January 15!
Registration for the White Mountain section closes February 15.
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DAY HIKES
This four-day course is designed to transition three-season hikers into competent Winter Mountaineers, capable of planning and executing their own day-trips into the high peaks of the northeast in winter conditions. On your first day you’ll learn ice ax, crampon, and self-arrest techniques in a controlled setting. The clothing selection, layering, and moisture management methods we teach will allow you to stay safe and comfortable in extremes of cold, wind, and precipitation. You’ll solidify these skills during a “shake-down” hike, and then put them to use when your team plans and executes a 4,000+ foot Adirondack High Peak climb. Other lecture and workshop topics include trip planning, navigation, emergency shelters, nutrition and meal planning, risk management, avalanche awareness, and more.
2020 dates: Thursday January 30 – Sunday February 2
Cost: $440, includes meals and lodging at the ADK’s Adirondak Loj
IMPORTANT! Review the Prerequisites, Registration Checklist, and Program Cost Details.
BACKPACKING
This four-day course is designed to transition three-season campers into competent Winter Mountaineers, capable of planning and executing their own backpacking trips into the high peaks of the northeast in winter conditions. On your first day you will learn ice ax, crampon, and self-arrest skills in a controlled setting, followed by dinner, evening workshops, and a night at the ADK’s front-country Adirondak Loj. The next morning you and your team will depart for a two-night backpacking trip into a remote area of the High Peaks Wilderness. On this trip you’ll learn the basics of winter camping, cooking, and temperature management in extremes of cold, wind, and precipitation. You and your team will then plan and execute an Adirondack High Peak climb before returning to the ADK Loj. Lecture and workshop topics include trip planning, navigation, nutrition and meal planning, risk management, avalanche awareness, and more.
2020 dates: Thursday January 30 – Sunday February 2
Cost: $390, includes meals and lodging at the ADK’s Adirondak Loj
IMPORTANT! Review the Prerequisites, Registration Checklist, and Program Cost Details.
COMBINATION DAY-HIKES/BACKPACKING
This seven-day course is a combination of our two introductory programs allowing you to build a full set of winter skills in one intensive, week-long adventure. This is our flagship introductory course and is a superb value. Like all our introductory programs, you’ll first learn ice ax, crampon, and self-arrest skills in a controlled environment before putting them to use in the backcountry. Shake-down hikes and day-trips up 4,000-ft. peaks let students consolidate their skills from the comfort of the Adirondak Loj before heading deep into the High Peaks Wilderness on a three-night backpacking trip. While in the backcountry you’ll learn all the winter camping skills of our Backpacking course and make two more attempts on Adirondack High Peaks before returning to the Adirondak Loj.
2020 dates: Thursday January 30 – Wednesday February 5
Cost: $495, includes meals and lodging at the ADK’s Adirondak Loj
IMPORTANT! Review the Prerequisites, Registration Checklist, and Program Cost Details.
NEW HAMPSHIRE WHITE MOUNTAINS BACKPACKING
This four-day course has a similar format and objectives to the Adirondack-based Backpacking course but is based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. On your first day you will learn ice ax, crampon, and self-arrest skills in a controlled setting, followed by dinner, evening workshops, and a night at the AMC’s Highland Center. The next morning you and your team will depart for a two-night backpacking trip into a remote area of the White Mountains National Forest. On this trip you’ll learn the basics of winter camping, cooking, and temperature management in extremes of cold, wind, and precipitation. You and your team will then plan and execute a climb of a 4,000+ foot peak. Lecture and workshop topics include trip planning, navigation, nutrition and meal planning, risk management, avalanche awareness, and more.
2020 dates: Thursday March 5 – Sunday March 8
Cost: $375, includes meals and lodging at the AMC’s Highland Center.
IMPORTANT! Review the Prerequisites, Registration Checklist, and Program Cost Details.
Course is currently Full. Please consider one of our other courses, or call 518-523-3441 to be put on a wait-list.
ADVANCED DAY-HIKES
Take your winter skills to the next level! Refine your ice ax, crampon, and self-arrest techniques, and then hike into the ADK’s remote Johns Brook Lodge in the heart of the Great Range. Here you and your team will plan and execute ambitious attempts of Adirondack High Peaks. You’ll learn what it takes to summit multiple peaks in a single day, and if conditions allow, attempt a non-technical slide climb. Lecture and workshop topics include advanced trip planning, leadership. risk management and decision making, navigation, nutrition and meal planning, avalanche awareness, and more.
Detailed course description is available here.
2020 dates: Thursday January 30 – Sunday February 2
Cost: $440, includes meals and lodging at the ADK’s Johns Brook Lodge.
To Register for this course, first fill out the Application below. After your application is approved, you will be sent a registration link via email to make payment.
IMPORTANT! Review the Prerequisites, Registration Checklist, and Program Cost Details.
Additional Fees
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Program fees include all meals while at basecamp and bunkroom lodging with shared bathrooms.
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Participants are responsible for their own food during backpacking trips and trail food during dayhikes.
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Note that ADK membership is required to participate in the program - you can join when registering if you are not yet a member.
Course Prerequisites
Registrants for all program sections MUST download and read the Student Handbook and appropriate gear list for your program. There will be thorough gear check at the start of each section and those without the required gear may not be allowed to participate.
Registration Checklist:
Your application is not complete and will not be reviewed until ALL steps have been completed on this checklist!
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Register for your program and make payment online through the ADK using the links provided in the program descriptions below. Registration for Adirondack Mountain sections closes January 15, the White Mountain section closes February 15.
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Complete the online student application available HERE.
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Complete the online medical form available HERE.
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Complete the online liability form available HERE.
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If you don't have an Adirondack Mountain Club membership please go to www.adk.org to obtain one. Bring your membership card with you to Winter School.
Partial scholarships are available! Deadline for applications is December 15th. Click here for more information and to apply!